You’re a booklover right? Sure you are. You just can’t get enough of those books. Reading when you wake up, reading when you go to bed. Some people have even called you a bookworm. It’s not a bad thing. The world of books is a rich and enlivening. One that is filled with magical kingdoms, romance, heartbreak, adventure and everything and anything you could possibly imagine. But how do you know for sure you’re a booklover? Well that’s easy…

You can’t resist a book. You’ve gone to the doctor’s and you’re sat in that stuffy waiting room as the minutes tick by every so slowly but you spot a mini library in the corner. A dilapidated bookshelf, crammed full of little delights. What’s your reaction? You scan the titles for one that sounds right and before you know it, you’re sat in the corner, reading and so absorbed that you nearly miss the nurse calling your name.

Bargain books get you excited. There’s nothing hotter than walking past Waterstones and seeing a sale sign. Or it’s that moment when you’re sat at the computer and to the confusion of anyone else, you make a mad dash to find your purse. That’s right, you just had an email boasting buy one get one free, all books half price, limited time only.

Love to snuggle and read. It’s not necessarily the act of reading that you love so much but the feeling of being all wrapped up, comfy cosy in your favourite pj’s. Mug of tea to hand and no distractions. It actually becomes the highlight of your day. Maybe you’ll stop by that corner shop and pick up some chocolate too.

More shelf space than wardrobe. Most girls look in their bedrooms and see walls taken up by wardrobes. So many clothes that their spilling out onto the floor. Too many shoes to even keep count of how many. But a booklover is different. Her wardrobe sacrifices it’s wall space to make way for the all-important bookshelf.

Charity shop books. Bargain books are one thing but books that are neglected break your heart. Second hand books that have been thrown away like last night’s chutney are crying out to be rescued. This is your secret haven. For pennies apiece you’re able to rummage the shelves for hidden gems and carry them home by the bucket load.

Book donations. You family and friends may not be the biggest booknerds of all time but they recognise one when they see one. And this means that when they have finished a book or know of someone who is getting rid of one or two, they point them in the right direction, and before you know it, you have book donations coming from this way and that.

Book news. You know your stuff. That’s right. Others may chat about politics but you’re able to give them a low down on which book is being turned into a film, who’s just been published again, which book has climbed the New York Times Bestseller List and who has been sat at number one for the past three weeks!

Facebook madness. It’s not just your room that’s filled with books but you Facebook page too. You’re a part of all the book loving groups and your newsfeed is constantly being updated from bookish pages. You love the little bookish memes and share them whenever one pops up (which is often) – they make you laugh and let you reminisce

You know more authors than celebrities. Rather than knowing your celebrities, you know your authors. You have no idea who’s in the Big Brother House, or I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here. What you do know is Pam Jenoff is the best damn author you know. And that Victoria Hislop is wonderful at creating the right setting, she is Greek after all.

Trips are made via bookshops. When you’re in town, you have your mental list of things to do or buy but as you plan your route, you subconsciously factor in your favourite bookshop. You have no need to go there and in fact no extra pennies to spend there but just the thought of being surrounded by your favourite things makes the trip all the more worthwhile.

Your bucket list consists of famous author hangouts. It’s time to go on holiday again. And it’s not a case of where should you go but who should you follow? Your ‘places to visit’ list all belong to famous people: there’s Hemmingway’s house in Florida, USA, Mark Twain’s house in Connecticut, USA, or even A.A. Milne in Chelsea, UK and these are just a few to get you started.

Book quotes appear in everyday life. Or not necessarily the quotes but the stories and the characters. Have you ever been a part of a normal conversation, and someone begins talking about a topic. Your response goes along the lines of ‘I read a book once…’ and it’s not like you can even hide the fact you love books. I mean, have you ever contributed to a conversation, and someone has asked you where you heard that. You have no choice but to admit it was in a book once, and a fiction one at that.

Some of these may be a little extreme but if you find even just a handful of these scenarios familiar then I think we’ve got a booklover on our hands. And I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, but if you are, hold your head up high. There’s a whole host of booklovers behind you!

Ha ha! Busted! Not that I tick ALL your boxes… My Facebook page isn’t filled up with that many bookloving groups – but that’s because I don’t belong to that many. Too busy reading. Or writing… And – surely celebrities ARE best-selling authors? Those wannabes that keep appearing on game shows and reality series are merely posers and struggling actors, aren’t they?
And in case you haven’t already gathered – I LOVED your article, Natasha:)

Reblogged this on Writer's Treasure Chest and commented:
Thank you for this wonderful post, Natasha. Now there’s not the slightest doubt anymore I’m a book lover. 🙂 This is just a great read! Enjoy it.